variants
also cagy
1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cagey
Exceptions finally arrived with the emergence of Max Cervantes as slick and cagey defense lawyer Billy Flynn.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
With one year left on his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has been cagey — arguably coy — over his future plans.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
With one year left on his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has been cagey — arguably coy — over his future plans.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
-
In state media comedy shows, jokes about Putin are told from time to time, but they are used to bolster his image as a powerful, cunning leader, and hold up Russia as a great country.—
Neringa Klumbytė,
The Conversation,
4 Mar. 2026
-
These ambitious, cunning, and often amoral Cold War operatives were usually marginal or even inconsequential figures at home.—
Alfred McCoy,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
His villains were flamboyant, but Bruce was mournful, reluctant — no onscreen superhero has more palpably wrestled with not wanting to be a superhero.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But the state has been reluctant to hinder growth.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This cute mini skort can be worn with any top already in your wardrobe, or with the Gap crop tank top as a matching set.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The idea of putting a cute sticker on your body every day to take a supplement seems fun in theory.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Wild are very hesitant to part with Russian rookie center Danila Yurov, whose development in his first year playing in North America has been impressive.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Angela Hassell, the executive director of Loaves and Fishes, offered both hesitant support for and doubts about the safe camping site.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jared Wright skated it down and turned back a slick pass for Laughton, whose whirling, sharp-angle bid beat Dobeš improbably to the far side.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the end, such planning was rendered redundant by a combination of VAR and slick Chelsea play in extra time, leaving Wrexham to focus on perhaps making this fixture an annual event in the Premier League.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The subtle split among Democrats began emerging minutes after the first US strikes on Saturday.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
This Madewell pair is made from high-quality denim with a subtle stretch to hug your curves and ensure all-day comfort.—
Jordan Julian,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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